Pool automation

[gfs]

What kind of things can we do with HA and home swimming pools... and where can i get the info. Temperature. Pump or heather status. alerts if someone in the pool? thanks

 

[fwd03]

It is easy to get temperature, pump and heater status, but I don't know any sensor for pool occupancy. Anybody has idea?

 

[electron]

In many states (if not all), new pools require an alarm which has to make a very loud noise whenever it is armed, and detects someone/something entering the pool. They can generate false alarms (mine does), but I am guessing that higher end units might be more accurate, and could be used reliably as an occupancy sensor. Only other thing I can think of is a CCTV camera with motion detection.

 

[apostolakisl]

http://www.intheswim.com/Pool-Equipment/Swimming-Pool-Alarms/

I believe these all detect water "bouncing" or in other words, wave-action.

 

[electron]

I have this one:
http://www.intheswim.com/Pool-Equipment/Swimming-Pool-Alarms/PoolGuard-Above-Ground-Pool-Alarm/

But the false alarms are painful for sure. That said, it would be pretty easy to interface the remote module with a home automation controller.

 

[gfs]

thanks so how do i get the temp, run pump, etc what is best way

 

[apostolakisl]

The CAI webcontroller would be able to do all of that for about $40 shipped plus about $20 more for a relay board and maybe $10 more for temp probe.

I bought a couple of them and have been playing with the programming. It does require that you spend a few hours learning the plc language well enough. It will run as a stand alone unit but also connects to the internet for monitoring as well as controlling.

The unit is very powerful for the price. But it does require some comfort level with wiring up relays and writing some simple code.

 

[electron]

Does the CAI web controller support 10K thermistor probes? I purchased an Arduino Uno to interface mine, but if I can do it with the CAI, I would also gain Ethernet connectivity.

 

[apostolakisl]

According to the manual it supports the following temp sensors:
1) ds1822
2) ds18b20

I have seen these on ebay in waterproof versions for about $5.00
I have the ds1822 sensors hooked up to one of my boards and it is working (currently 105.1 in the garage)

If you send an email to:
Support Team [[email protected]]
they will let you know about the thermister probes, probably within a couple business hours.